Where to Stay in Dublin By A Local

I live in Dublin, so I don't stay in hotels here. But I'm in them all the time meeting guests & clients. I notice the things guests care about: noise levels, quality, appearance, amenities, location, walkability, staff attitude, the feel of the place.

Based on that, here are the Dublin hotels I recommend. You can book any of these without hesitation! They are sorted by the kind of trip you're on, with snippets from actual guest reviews.

Fair Warning!
Dublin is a capital city with a hotel shortage so prepare for sticker shock. Dublin hotels are expensive. On top of that, we have a lot of sporting events and concerts that book up every room in the city so don't delay booking your hotel.

Midrange

Very central, highly rated & reasonably priced

Grafton Hotel 💚My Top Midrange Hotel💚

In the part of town where you'll see more Dubliners than tourists. A one minute walk to Grafton Street. If it's available, just book it. Don't even hesitate!

"Everything about The Grafton screams luxury without being stuffy. The art deco styling throughout is gorgeous, and the staff went above and beyond to make our anniversary special. The perfect splurge for our Dublin getaway!"

NYX Hotel

In the centre of the tourist area. You can see Dublin Castle when you're checking in. It is very close to Temple Bar, but just tucked away from the noise. My friends just stayed here and loved it.

"The NYX Hotel completely exceeded my expectations! Located right beside Christchurch Cathedral with Dublin Castle across the road. The staff made me feel like a VIP from the moment I arrived."

The Green, Dublin

I think they don't charge enough at The Green. It's so nice they could charge 50% more and it's still well priced. You're surrounded by Dublin energy and life, but step into the hotel and it's calm and sophisticated. I want their interior designer to come to my house!

"From the second we checked in, until the time we checked out we were blown away by this hotel. We arrived in Dublin at 7:30am. By 10am they gave us a call and let us know our room was ready!"

Budget

Great hotels in Dublin City that don't break the bank

Motel One Dublin - 💚My Top Budget Hotel 💚

This is just across the Ha'Penny Bridge from Temple Bar. I'm always meeting walking tour guests here because it's so affordable for such a cool spot. A German chain, so you know everything is thought of. They just rejuvenated the street in front of it and it's very cool now.

"Motel One exceeded all expectations! The bright, airy lobby made a fantastic first impression. Our room was stylish and comfortable with amazing soundproofing, ensuring peaceful sleep despite being in the heart of lively Dublin. Perfect location, great price, and that signature Irish hospitality!"

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

This is in the old market area of Dublin. My dad's business was here and I grew up working here. I never thought there's be such a stylish hotel here. It was horse and carts back then. Next to the newly pedestrianized and eclectic Capel Street. Although the bar in the hotel is so good, you might not leave.

"What a find in the heart of Dublin! Ruby Molly's unique design immediately captivated us – think plush fabrics and marble beautifully contrasted with vintage tiles and distressed leather. The vibrant bar became our favorite spot, with expert baristas by day and mixologists by night!"

Wren Urban Nest

The perfectly named Nest is cozy & comfortable. Next to the cool George's Arcade and some of the coffee shops in Dublin are 30 seconds away. Adored by guests who rate it over 9.0.

• "This was an amazing last minute find! The property was so cute and had so many spots to take great photos. It was centrally located so we walked everywhere. The on-site bar was such a chill place to kick back and have drinks in a quieter atmosphere. Will DEFINITELY be staying here again."

Luxury

For visitors who want the best of Dublin with five star luxury

Merrion Hotel 💚My Top Luxury Pick💚

A five star luxury hotel complete with a 2 star Michelin restaurant and an infinity pool. This is where celebrities stay. The Merrion is my top pick because it's just a bit less formal than The Shelbourne and the service is absolutely impeccable. you always know that you're in one of the best hotels in the entire city.

"Exquisite is the only descriptor. Facilities, service, comfort, location... I felt like a queen every second. Slept like a baby, stunning shower, turn down service unsurpassed. Worth every penny."

Fitzwilliam Hotel 

There's a quiet luxurious feel in the Fitzwilliam. They just finished a renovation in the hotel so excuse any new paint smell. It's contemporary with a touch of Art Deco about it. It has a (just the) one star Michelin restaurant. Some rooms even have balconies overlooking St. Stephen's Green.

"This hotel is perfect. Being in the Hotel Industry, I tend to have very high expectations of 5 star hotels and The Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin exceeded them."

Shelbourne Hotel 

Where presidents and princesses stay. It's always been THE hotel in Dublin. There's other newer, more modern challengers to the luxury throne in Dublin, but the Shelbourne will always be the one to beat. It's opulent, grand, and steeped in history. Things you can't buy. It has many loyal repeat visitors which mean you have to book very early to stay here.

"From the moment we passed through the revolving doors we were immediately wowed by the grand surroundings of the Shelbourne and its historical significance seeps from every corner."

Dublin Airport Hotels

The best airport hotels. Stay close for less stress on a long travel day.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport 💚My Top Airport Pick💚

It's a business type hotel right on airport grounds. You can walk to terminal but you'll probably take the shuttle bus. Function over style but you can't stay any closer than this to the terminal.

"What a find for Dublin Airport travelers! The Radisson Blu's location couldn't be more perfect, we easily walked to the terminal in under 10 minutes, though their free shuttle runs around the clock."

Crown Plaza Dublin Airport

A very short shuttle ride from the airport and close to many of the car rental places, so drop your car off the night before you leave. One less thing to do on departure day!

"Room comfortable, air con worked well, very quiet, loved the park across the road, (went for walk before eating). Shuttle bus to airport at 4.30 am was very helpful."

ApartHotels

More space than your average hotel room.

Zanzibar Locke 💚My Top ApartHotel Pick💚

The highest rated accommodation that I see in all of Dublin! An unheard of 9.8 on Booking.com. I remember when this opened as a bar when I was in my student days. Zanzibar sounded very exotic in grey and still poor back then Dublin. Overlooking the Ha'Penny Bridge, it couldn't be more central either.

Rarely available. Book immediately if they have a room during your stay.

Staycity Aparthotel Dublin Castle

I used to live right around the corner from this Staycity and love the area. Christchurch & Dublin Castle on your doorsteps. Guinness Storehouse & Book of Kells are less than 10 minute walk. Perfectly central but tucked away on a quiet street. Very highly recommended.

Staycity Aparthotel City Quay

Staycity has a few locations. Not all ideal to be honest, but the City Quay one. It's five minute walk to Trinity College and I love that it's close to the Dart train station for easy access to best parts of coastal Dublin. Note: The Staycity on nearby Mark Street is just a bit too close to the train tracks, so pick this one instead!

Boutique Stays

You'll feel real Irish hospitality in these small places

Ariel House 💚My Top Boutique Pick💚

One of the high rated places in all of Dublin. B&B charm in a Victorian townhouse with legendary breakfasts. It's a 15 minute walk from the centre, but it's Dublin's most exclusive around. Surrounded by embassies and a short kick from the Aviva Stadium.

"I've never experienced hospitality like I did at Ariel House! From the moment we arrived, the staff treated us like family. The homemade afternoon tea was a highlight - freshly baked scones and cakes enjoyed in their tranquil gardens!"

Schoolhouse Hotel

I love this place. It is always booked out though because it is so popular, if you see it available, book immediately.

The gastrobar is gorgeous. You might get stuck there for the night. It's a boutique hotel in a former schoolhouse next to the Grand Canal Docks, Google & close to the Aviva. The Grand Canal is outside the gate. Watch the swans glide by. A very short walk to town but you mightn't even go in there!

"The cutest hotel! I didn't really want to stay in a regular hotel, I wanted something that looked more authentic to Dublin. The Schoolhouse Hotel was perfect! The room and bed was great, great service, and easy to find."

Number 59 Dublin

A Brazilian run boutique townhome in the centre of Dublin. I go to Brazil every year and they are just as hospitable as the Irish. And it shows with an impossible 9.3 rating on Booking! The colors are as warm as the welcome. Simply gorgeous!

"Number 59 completely transformed our Dublin experience! This boutique townhouse on Camden Street welcomed us with prosecco and exceptional personal service. Our stylish room was a perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury"

Coastal Dublin

The nicest areas of Dublin are by the sea & easy to get to the city

Clontarf Castle Hotel 💚My Top Coastal Pick💚

A real castle hotel complete with four poster beds that is by the sea but only ten minutes to the city. I can walk there from my house, it's a very local and lovely area. Do my Village guided walk when you stay there!

"Walking into Clontarf Castle was like stepping into a fairytale! It's the perfect blend of medieval charm with luxury modern comforts. Just 10 minutes from Dublin's city center but feels worlds away - absolutely magical!"

Haddington House, Dun Laoghaire

I absolutely love the vibe at the Haddington House and think more people should base themselves in Dún Laoghaire for their entire Dublin stay. Haddington is in an old house, but has such contemporary features like the bar that could be in Manhattan, the bikes they give you to cycle the coastline. Dun Laoghaire is just 20 minutes by train to the city. Be different and base yourself here!

"This restored Victorian gem overlooking Dublin Bay stole our hearts! Borrowed their complimentary bikes to explore the coast, then relaxed with cocktails in their stylish parlor. Boutique perfection by the sea!"

Grand Hotel Malahide

This is not quite an airport hotel, but it's still close and it's in a fabulous, well-to-do coastal village. Half of Aer Lingus' captains live here. So if you want more than just a place to sleep before you fly, stay in Malahide and have one last night of Irish village life.

"The property is amazing and rooms gorgeous. The village is so cute to walk around and has a castle! We loved eating breakfast in the large sunny room with a view of the harbor. The cost of staying here was the same or lower than boring chain hotels near Dublin airport."

Near Dublin's Stadiums

In town for a game or concert? These hotels are close to the Aviva, 3 Arena, the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, or Croke Park. Book early. Very early! The second an event is announced, these hotels get booked solid.

Mespil Hotel 💚My Top Stadium Pick💚

The Mespil is close to everything! The city, the offices, the canal, and it's very to the Aviva Stadium & The Bord Gais Theatre. Very nice hotel that is modern and spacious. Lots of local bars & restaurants to walk to instead of the usual tourist haunts.

"Everything was beautiful! Thank you for the personalised birthday card as well! The staff's warmth and genuine kindness added an extra layer of joy to our experience. They went above and beyond."

Gibson Hotel

Modern hotel next to 3Arena with quick tram access to the city centre. Croke Park is walkable too.

"Stayed in Gibson after a concert in 3 arena. Location was fantastic. Directly opposite the 3 arena. Staff at the hotel were friendly and welcoming."

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